Politics 24/7 and Living Lovingly
Friday’s Verse:
From Proverbs 14:34 ESV
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Politics ruins everything. OK, maybe that is a little harsh. However, let us be honest - politics in our modern era turns us away from loving others as God has loved us. Nowadays, there are so many people who hate a family member of their neighbor because of whom they voted for and support.
In an election season that can feel like “Politics 24/7,” Proverbs 14:34 invites us to step back from the noise and ask: What truly makes a people strong? The proverb answers: righteousness—being in right relationship with God and, therefore, with one another. In Lutheran terms, this righteousness is not our moral perfection but Christ’s righteousness given to us, which then bears fruit in daily love for the neighbor.
Luther’s teaching on vocation reminds us that citizenship is one of the places where we serve our neighbor. Voting, discussing issues, and advocating policies are not primarily about winning; they are ways to ask, “How will this affect those in need? How can my vote contribute to a more just and compassionate society?” Neighbor-love, not self-interest, becomes the lens.
And because politics is intensely relational, the Eighth Commandment matters here too: we “fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray them, slander them, or hurt their reputation, but defend them, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way.” In practice, that means refusing demeaning rhetoric, correcting misinformation gently, and seeking the common good—even when we disagree.
So in this season, let Proverbs 14:34 reorder our priorities: God first, others second, self last. When righteousness (Christ’s gift, lived out in mercy and justice) shapes our public life, a nation is exalted; when sin (especially contempt for the neighbor) dominates, any people are shamed.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, You have made us righteous and called us to love our neighbor. In this election season, free us from fear, fury, and pride. Guide our votes, our words, and our hopes by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above was licensed through Unsplash+